BUSINESSES in Malvern have opened their doors today after another lockdown.

Shoppers in the town can now visit non-essential retailers and hospitality venues, though they are being advised to be careful.

Lucy Watkins, owner of Belle Beauty, said: "We are over the moon to be re-opening today, with weekly staff covid-testing we feel completely safe.

"Today has been wonderful to see customers returning and queues outside lots of the local businesses in Malvern.

"The local support for us has been amazing and we want to say thank you to everyone that has shopped with us during closure and booked in over the next few months."

Another business re-opening is the Malvern Splash Leisure Centre, which welcomes back guests for the first time since a multi-million pound refurbishment.

Cllr Sarah Rouse, leader of Malvern Hills District Council, welcomed the return of business to the town.

She said: "It feels so good to have our shops opening and our pubs and cafes able to serve us again.

"I am so looking forward to visiting my local pub and getting a haircut.

"Being able to get out and support our local businesses is key to building back our economy.

"We have delivered our new look Malvern Splash and it is ready for everyone to enjoy, especially the young people with all the new equipment."

Harriett Baldwin, MP for West Worcestershire, said: "The vaccination programme has been a huge success and I urge everyone to get a jab when they are invited.

"This means that our hospital has seen a sharp drop in cases and shops are re-opening again and we are able to get back to doing the things that we love.

"I am planning to get out and about over the coming weeks showing my support for local retailers and local hospitality venues.

"My hairdresser can’t see me until the second half of May so there is clearly a lot of pent-up demand and I hope people will be eager to get out and shop local in a covid-safe way.

"The Treasury Committee of which I am a Member has heard evidence that there is over £150 billion of money saved up waiting to be spent and the economy needs a boost."

Have you been back to the shops in Malvern today? Let us know.